Metanováčekite is a secondary uranium mineral often found as thin, yellow tabular crystals or crusts in oxidized hydrothermal zones. It is closely related to nováčekite and is distinguished by its hydration state and distinct UV fluorescence.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMeta-autunite Group family

Metanováčekite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this metanováčekite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch metanováčekite with a known reference. Metanováčekite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metanováčekite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Metanováčekite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Metanováčekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Metanováčekite and vitreous on Nováčekite.

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Often found alongside metanováčekite

Minerals reported to co-occur with metanováčekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·8-12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow-green Under UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find metanováčekite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
Jachymov, Czech Republic
Grants, New Mexico, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where metanováčekite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, meta-torbernite, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify metanováčekite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is metanováčekite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; Jachymov, Czech Republic; Grants, New Mexico, USA.

How much is metanováčekite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is metanováčekite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. This mineral is radioactive due to its uranium content and contains arsenic; handle with gloves, avoid inhaling dust, and store in a lead-lined container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metanováčekite?+

Metanováčekite is most often confused with Meta-autunite, Nováčekite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with metanováčekite?+

Metanováčekite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Meta-torbernite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does metanováčekite form in?+

Metanováčekite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is metanováčekite used for?+

Metanováčekite is used in collector.

Find metanováčekite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.